Channel 4 has turned to CBBC controller Damian Kavanagh to be its new head of features and factual formats responsible for Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and shows starring Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Mary Portas.

Kavanagh, who will also oversee the broadcaster's daytime lineup, succeeds Sue Murphy who left in December last year to become UK creative director of the production company behind Ramsay's Channel 4 shows.

Murphy was one of a string of senior executives to leave Channel 4 last year as it reshapes itself for the post Big Brother era.

Hunt is said to have targeted the 8pm and 9pm features and factual areas as a top priority. Ramsay is not the audience draw he once was for the channel, and ratings for Oliver's most recent series were also down.

Property shows such as Location, Location, Location have also grown long in the tooth.

Kavanagh oversaw the CBBC digital channel as well as children's programmes on BBC1 and BBC2. He was head of planning and scheduling for BBC daytime and, before that, BBC3, where he also had a stint as acting controller.

The Channel 4 chief creative officer, Jay Hunt, said: "Damian has a great track record creatively and is an inspiring leader. He also has a knack for being able to translate great audience insight into unmissable shows and this makes him an invaluable addition to an already strong team."

Kavanagh said there was a "lot of creative renewal already under way [at Channel 4] and I'm absolutely passionate about commissioning innovative and talked-about programmes."

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